Benjamin Van Norman Collection

Letter from Benjamin Van Norman to his father dated July 7, 1864. In this letter, Benjamin Van Norman discusses his latest scouting experience during the Fourth of July, his pay rate as a soldier and its disbursement.

Letter from Benjamin Van Norman to his father dated June 5, 1864. In this letter, Benjamin Van Norman discusses his recent acquisition of his pay, his latest combat experience, as well as his equipment and weaponry.

Letter from Benjamin Van Norman to his father dated May 26, 1864. In this letter, Benjamin Van Norman discusses his experience scouting in Confederate territory for twenty days, his interaction with a prisoner of war, and his recent combat experience.

Letter from Benjamin Van Norman to his sister dated February 3, 1864. In this letter, Benjamin Van Norman discusses his well-being while in the hospital. Benjamin describes in detail his experience in Cincinnati, Ohio and the northern Kentuckey region.

Letter from Benjamin Van Norman to his sister dated March 7, 1864. In this letter, Benjamin Van Norman expresses concern for his family due to the lack of communication, while going into great detail on the composition of the hospital.

Letter from Lt. W. Dickinson to Rev. C. Van Norman dated September 21, 1864. In this letter, Lt. Dickinson painfully informs C. Van Norman of the death of his son, Benjamin Van Norman, at Blue Springs, Tenn. on August 23, 1864.

Letter from Benjamin Van Norman to his father dated March 14, 1864. In this letter, Benjamin Van Norman describes his overall well-being and how he created a ring out of a musselshell. He also mentions the dialect and phrases used by those from Kentucky and Tennessee.

Letter from Benjamin Van Norman to his sister dated June 7, 1864. In this letter, Benjamin Van Norman discusses his recent combat engagement against Rebel forces. He mentions the outcome of the fight, the items he acquired, and his experiences in camp.